Read the fine print

Read the fine print. The smaller the print, the higher the price.

No one reads credit card agreements or loan terms yet everyone goes ballistic when companies enact or enforce what was in those agreements.

Make it easier on yourself. Don't borrow money and then you don't have to read the fine print or play silly games.
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A Bank

Name a store where you walk in and beg them to sell their product to you.

Answer: A Bank

Think about it.
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Cashing out the investment

You are paying 20% interest to a credit card. You are making an 8% - 12% return on non-retirement investments.

Again, why aren't you cashing out the investment and paying off the 20% card?


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No one makes you borrow money

No one makes you borrow money. So, don’t bemoan the fact you now have to pay it back.

No one makes you take possession of things that aren't yours in exchange for spending more than the item is worth each month. No one twists your arm and makes you wear other people's clothes that you pay for with VISA.

In short, if you did it you are to blame. No one else. Now go fix it.
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Write down what you spend

Write down what you spend. Write down every item, no matter how big or small. Even things as small as a newspaper. Do this for one month.

You soon will find out where your money is going. Then you can begin to tell your money where you really want it to go.

This is an enlightening and liberating experience. Start today. Write it down!
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Facts of life

A car payment is not a fact of life. Utilities, food, gas, clothes, education. Those are facts of life.

Get your priorities straight and put your money where it is supposed to go. Some value the kind of car they drive more than taking care of life's necessities. Worse, they sacrifice their family's comfort to look good driving down the road.

This behavior is inexcusable. Don't be one of these people.
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Budgeting for groceries

When it comes to groceries consumers pretty much buy the same thing week after week. So, budgeting for groceries should be easy.

However, budgeting anything can be frustrating and you're not going to get it right the first time in all areas. Food can be one of those areas, but it's also an area you can adjust by what you buy. Budget high for food. If you aim high adjusting downward gains you dollars.
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